Scott Lindsey shocked the EFL the other day, when it was announced he’d be leaving League One Crawley Town in order to take the helm at League Two side MK Dons.

Welcome to #MKDons, Scott Lindsey. 🤝#COYD pic.twitter.com/S3sJ0r722P

— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) September 25, 2024

It was a huge hit for Crawley Town, who have to credit Scott Lindsey for pretty much all of their recent successes. After handing Ben Gladwin a one game stint as interim manager, they’ve now appointed Rob Elliot from Gateshead.

👋 Welcome to Crawley, Rob Elliot!

Crawley Town Football Club is delighted to announce Rob Elliot as the club’s new Manager. #TownTeamTogether🔴

— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) October 1, 2024

For those who don’t follow National League football, the former Newcastle goalkeeper’s managerial qualities might be an unknown quantity, but Tom Williams knows all about the qualities he brings to Sussex.

The popular X influencer, and FCA nominated sports personality, is known for his continued social media coverage of both the EFL and English Non-League. Tom sat down for an exclusive interview with Football Park, to tell us what he thinks about the move.

Tom started with a bang, when he informed us: “Elliot’s style of play was a continuation from Mike Williamson, who is now the Carlisle manager."

This is key knowledge, and there’s a reason that Tom has highlighted it. Mike Williamson departed Gateshead for MK Dons, and has been replaced by former Crawley boss Scott Lindsey since.

The theme here is that both Williamson and Lindsey play a very similar brand of football, hence his appointment at MK Dons, and thus so does Rob Elliot.

“They kept the team at Gateshead as possession based and as attacking as possible. There was an emphasis on passing and keeping the ball.

“That will be a perfect fit at Crawley, it’s a three at the back system just like Crawley use, with an emphasis on keeping the ball,

“The players that are at Crawley, are technical players that have that skill set, they’re definitely suited to what Rob Elliot will demand from them.”

Given the plaudits Mike Williamson earned during his time at Gateshead, earning them promotion to the National League, the expectations for Elliot was simply to ensure they didn’t drop off too much because of his departure.

“It was the opposite, they improved, they looked a little bit more ruthless and solid defensively. They moved up the table and were in a better position than they were when Elliot took over.”

It’s not just tactically that Elliot will be a great fit, he’s got experience in a plethora of areas in football.

“I also think he’ll be a great fit for Crawley away from the pitch, he has that experience in a senior backroom staff role technical director at Gateshead. He’s also used to working with budget constraints.”

Tom Williams summarised just how well he thinks this appointment can go for Crawley Town, by comparing the situations of the clubs Elliot has now managed in his career.

“Crawley are underdogs in League One, just like Gateshead used to be in the National League, look at them now.”